Work Permit Application

Over 150000 people apply for a work permit in Toronto and other cities in Canada every year, which makes the application process for a work permit a crucial step toward employment. Both for foreign employees and employers alike, it is essential to pass through the appropriate pathways to land a temporary post with a work permit in Toronto and other cities. Correspondingly, applying for a work permit is a requirement for many temporary employees in Canada.

If you are interested in how to get a Canadian work permit visa in Toronto or other cities in the country, we will assist you with applying for a work permit and being eligible to start your employment. Nevertheless, there exist several situations where workers can acquire employment in Canada devoid of a work permit. In other words, in some cases, an employee does not need to get a work permit. Moreover, there exist numerous channels of working in Canada without lengthy paperwork procedures. The pathways include work permits accorded for post-graduates, working holidays, and as well as permits provided under international treaties.

A work permit is a legal document that allows a foreign national to work in Canada. The government of Canada issues over half a 500,000 work permit each year to temporary foreign workers from all over the world. So, A Canadian work permit allows foreign nationals to get employed in Canada. Although you must have a work permit to work in Canada, in some instances, you are allowed to work in the country without a permit or Canadian job offer.

It is necessary to note that the procedure of applying for a Canadian work permit varies based on the type of work permit you seek. The first step is determining which kind of work permit is most appropriate for you. If you need assistance in completing the application, please get in touch with us, and a member of our staff will assist you in booking a consultation appointment.

In order to get a work permit in Canada, it is usual to go through a two-step procedure to get a Canadian work permit. In most situations, candidates will first need to get a job offer in Canada before they can apply for a work permit.

• Step 1

Most of the time, the initial step toward getting a Canadian work permit is to submit an application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) (ESDC). Typically, a Canadian business must conduct domestic recruiting efforts and prove that no Canadian permanent residents or citizens are suited for the job before the position is filled.

• Step 2

Following the issuance of a positive LMIA, the applicant may proceed to apply for a Canadian work visa based on the LMIA. Unless a worker holds an open work permit, work permits are employer-specific. If a worker wishes to change employers, they must first get a new Work Permit before engaging in any further employment activities in Canada.

The requirements in Canada are as follows: while some exemptions are applied, foreign individuals generally need to hold a valid work permit to work in Canada. If you want to submit a work permit application, you must have an offer of employment by a Canadian company supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Please note that foreign workers may not need to have an LMIA or a job offer to apply for a work permit in some cases. This is true for those who have recently graduated from a Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI) or for the spouse of someone who is already in Canada on a work or study permit.

As a candidate who qualifies to apply for a work permit, you must also meet the eligibility requirements listed below:

• When your work permit expires, you must demonstrate your purpose to leave the country
• Demonstrate that you have enough funds to maintain yourself and your family in Canada
• You are not barred from entering Canada due to a criminal conviction or a medical condition
• You intend to work for an authorized employer
• You can provide any documentation that may be required to prove your eligibility to enter Canada

As a candidate, you can only apply for a work permit from inside Canada if you meet the following requirements:

• hold a valid study or work permit
• your spouse, common-law partner, or parents have a valid study or work permit
• you’re eligible for a post-graduation work permit and your study permit is still valid
• you have a TRP that is valid for 6 months or more
• you’ve submitted an application and now waiting for a decision on your permanent residence from inside Canada
• you made a claim for refugee protection
• you’re a trader, investor, intra-company transferee, or professional under the Canada – United States – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Proof of eligibility shall be in a Canadian birth certificate, Canadian passport, Canadian citizenship certificate, Canadian certificate of permanent residence, Canadian open work permit, or receipt from Immigration Canada of an application for a post-graduate work permit.

There must be current and verified proof of eligibility (not expired, cancelled, or voided). Offer of employment will be subject to verification of eligibility. If evidence of eligibility is not provided at least 6 weeks before the start date specified in the job offer, the offer of employment may be rescinded.

To get a work permit in Canada you need to submit an online application package with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a Canadian visa office. Please note that for most work permits you will need to have a job offer from a Canadian employer before submitting your application.

Applying for a work permit in Canada can be done in several ways. To obtain some permits, an employer must submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), whereas, to get others, a relationship to Canada is required (previous education, spousal sponsorship, etc.). The following categories will help you find the correct work permit for your situation:

Open Work Permits (no job offer or LMIA required)

• Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
• Spousal Sponsorship from Inside of Canada
• International Experience Canada (IEC) (working holiday visa)
• Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
• Spouse Accompanying International Student or Worker

LMIA-Exempt but requiring a job offer or employment contract

• International Mobility Program (IMP)
• NAFTA Work Permits
• CETA Work Permits
• Intra-Company Transfers

Requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
• Facilitated LMIA (Quebec)
• Global Talent Stream

The document checklist you’ll need for a Canadian work permit will vary depending on the work permit you’re pursuing. As part of their work permit application, candidates may be required to submit the following required documents:

• Completed application forms
• Proof of status in Canada (if applicable)
• Family member’s proof of status (if applicable)
• Labour Market Impact Assessment (if appropriate)
• A written offer of employment (if applicable)
• CV/ résumé
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Police clearance certificates

You may be asked to present police clearance certificates by the visa officer assessing your application. This document may be part of your application checklist and must be included with your first submission, depending on where you are applying. Applicants may be needed to show a police clearance certificate from each country where they have lived for 6 months or more since turning 18.

• Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (if applicable)
• Proof that you meet the job requirements
• A valid copy of your passport
• Copy of education credential
• Medical exam results (if requested)

Based on their planned length of stay, where they have lived, and what type of work they will engage in, foreign individuals who apply to work in Canada may be required to undergo a medical exam.

With few exclusions, if you want to work in Canada for less than 6 months, you will most likely not need a health examination. You will need a medical exam if you plan to work in a job that requires close contact with people or if you are an agricultural worker who has been to certain countries.

Medical checks must be done with an IRCC-designated panel physician. On the IRCC’s Find a Panel Physician website, you can look for a panel physician near you. Applicants can undergo a medical examination before applying for a job.

To apply for a work permit, you must first make an appointment with a specialist on the panel. An IRCC officer will contact you if you do not include your medical exam results with your application. The officer will provide you with instructions on how to complete the exam and a date by which you must complete it.

• Evidence of financial means to stay in Canada and return to home country
• Proof of payment for applicable government fees
• Recent passport-sized photos

All foreign nationals looking for a work permit in Canada must provide a passport-sized photo. The photo must meet IRCC’s requirements.

Work permits in Canada are normally processed between 1 to 9 months in general. The processing time begins when the IRCC receives your entire application and concludes until a decision is made.

An employer-specific work permit authorizes foreign nationals to work following the work permit’s criteria or limitations. It restricts a foreign national’s ability to work in Canada for more than one employer and in just one position. You may refer to this link to get more information.

A work permit not tied to a single business or area is referred to as an open work permit. This ensures that a foreign national with a valid open work permit can work for multiple employers in different regions of Canada. Please be advised that some open work permits may have other conditions or limits that foreign nationals must comply with. Applicants do not need to submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Open work permits are highly popular because they allow their holders more flexibility. Unlike most work permits attached to a certain business, an open work permit enables a foreign national to work for any employer in Canada, giving them the ability to move about at their ease. By gaining Canadian work experience you will also increase your eligibility to secure permanent residence in Canada.

The processing time for an open work permit application varies from one to four months.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is the standard temporary worker visa. It is given to foreign workers who have previously accepted a job offer from a Canadian employer and for whom the employer has acquired a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the Canadian government.

Work permit applications and procedures are frequently time-sensitive processes. Having Canadian work permits consultant in Toronto as your legal representation is the most effective way to proceed. In the case of work permits, there is a greater chance of rejection if the application is not properly completed.

The paperwork and procedures for acquiring a work permit are complicated, and they frequently involve legal assistance. If you have previously acquired a work visa, you are not assured of a renewal. Legal assistance will help you strengthen your case for a Canadian work permit renewal. It is strongly advised that you get expert immigration advice for your specific situation. You may contact us today for additional information.